At the Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia, almost all teams have problems – with themselves, their cars or their colleagues. The Saudis want to significantly expand their commitment in Formula 1.
It is no secret that in Saudi Arabia in terms of sport for several years. Finally, thanks to its $ 925 billion, the kingdom is investing heavy Public investment funds (PIF) Massive in various sports such as golf, tennis or in Formula 1. So it was no problem to build the city course in Jeddah within a very short time – a high -speed route directly on the coast of the Red Sea.
In 2021 the Circuit His debut there. But the development should continue with great steps. On the one hand, a new, even more sophisticated course should already be planned, which of course should break new records.
According to 7.777 kilometers in length, the new route even rumors the current record holder Spa-Francorchamps (7.004 kilometers). On the other hand, the Saudi Prince Khalid bin Sultan al-Abdullah al-Faisa thinks about wanting to maintain his own team just before the season race.
Doubts at Lando Norris
“There are currently only eleven of possible twelve teams – and maybe one or two teams will be for sale in the future. So it could happen”says the member of the royal family. “We see that Formula 1 opens up new markets, the numbers are increasing worldwide, and we have seen the partnership with Aramco and Aston Martin. All the signs indicate that Saudi Arabia could soon get involved in a team if it turns out to be meaningful and feasible.”
The Saudi future plans are therefore extensive, but the present with the Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia overlaps the far-reaching mind games. This weekend in Jeddah is going to take another step in the fight for the 2025 World Cup title. And the McLaren F1 team is currently ahead. However, the view of the overall leader of the driver’s ranking, Lando Norris, is not exactly optimistic.
“It is not that I go to this weekend with confidence and know that everything will turn to the good” “said Norris.
After his second win of the season, Norris’ McLaren teammate Oscar Piatri traveled to Jeddah with plenty of confidence. “I like the route in Jeddah very much, I also have good memories of you”said 24 -year -old Piatri, who took fourth place last year.
Does McLaren have to rethink his hierarchy?
At the race on Easter Sunday (7 p.m.), the Australian could snap Norris’s World Cup lead. The duo only separates three points in front of the fifth stop of the year. The big question will be whether the internal hierarchy would have to be changed after a new success of Piatri. The explosive in this duel is tangible. And that’s not enough.
Also Red Bull-Pilot Max Verstappen hopes like Norris for better performance than last. In Bahrain, the 27-year-old only drove behind with sixth place. Verstappen is eight points back and wants to strike back on the Red Sea. The perspective of the world champion seems more positive in Jeddah.
Discussions about Verstappen stop at
After all: in the past three years Red Bull At the top of the podium again. “Usually there is less tire breakdown on this route, so it should be a better race for us“, said Verstappen. “Hopefully we will find more Pace And are as fast as in Japan. “
The climate in the team should do less good for the discussions about Verstappen’s future and continue to be discussed publicly and cause unrest. “Many people talk about it except me”said the 27-year-old and tried to take the explosiveness out of the discussion: “I’m very relaxed.”
Ferrari are missing a few tenths
The route – on average the pilots drive 250 km/h – is a big challenge for the drivers. “I love the route”said Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton, who, according to the information, is getting used to his car better.
“It’s one of my favorite routes in the season”also says teammate Charles Leclerc and explained: “The courage can make the difference on the fast round.“